ABSTRACT
Most docks in the United Kingdom and the majority of ports abroad were constructed before the First World War. Whenever possible the water areas were enclosed with solid retaining walls of masonry, brickwork or a combination of both. In some cases the walls were hewn from solid rock and/or the retaining wall was founded on the rock. In other instances walls were founded on piles or large footings. Between the wars and after the Second World War much less dock building has taken place and of that most has been of concrete, steel or a combination of the two.
